After boxes of candy have been opened and flowers have been watered, a 10-piece band with local members will light up an Ellijay stage when Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk performs at the George Link Jr. Gilmer Arts Playhouse the day after Valentine’s.
Terry Ellis, keyboardist and one of three vocalists in the versatile group, described Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk as an old-school funk and R&B band that likes to give audiences “a little bit of this and a little bit of that.”
“Our genre is more like Earth, Wind and Fire and Kool and the Gang, but we cover a variety of group types, from The Stylistics and The Whispers to Stevie Wonder, Sade, Prince, Jonathan Butler and The Crusaders,” Ellis said. “We have three frontpeople who sing — myself, my wife, Venae and our lead singer, Greg Wilson. We have a bass player, a lead guitarist, a keyboard player, a drummer, trombone, sax and trumpet.”
Formed in 2008 as Kharisma and having added “Jazzmatic Funk” to their name upon release of the CD, Eye Candy, the group’s members enjoyed a busy 2019, Ellis noted.
A big highlight was playing last year’s Georgia National Fair in Perry.
“The Georgia National Fair is a hard gig to get. They found out about us and said they needed a good R&B band and that we came highly recommended. We played six shows that weekend in front of over 20,000 people,” Ellis said. “We had a pretty heavy, hectic schedule last year, but we had a great time. There’s a total of about 15 people who travel with us and we play all over the United States.”
Now, Ellis is excited to bring the funk back to he and Venae’s hometown. This will be the ensemble’s first performance at the downtown Ellijay playhouse.
“I’m honored for us to be invited to play there. It’s a big deal,” he said. “When I got the call, I thought ‘Wow, this time we get to play at home.’ It makes me feel good to know that people appreciate us here. That means a lot and we don’t take it for granted.”
Seated tickets to the show have sold quickly and additional seating has been opened up to accommodate a larger audience, confirmed the playhouse staff.
A meet-and-greet reception with the band will be held before the show beginning at 6 p.m.
“Get your tickets soon because this band will sell out. (They) would be the perfect Valentine’s gift for a night of dancing, while making new memories together as you listen to this dynamic soul-jazz-funk band known for their rhythmic grooves and silky jazz vocals,” said Katie Daniels, playhouse manager.
There will be a dance floor in play, Ellis confirmed.
“A lot of people have been asking if they’ll be able to dance, so we’ll be giving them some dance tunes and there are also love songs we’re going to play. We don’t just stand on the stage. We like going out into the crowd. We make it fun and like to get the audience engaged with us. We’re going to give them the best show possible,” he added.
Tickets can be purchased online, at the Gilmer Arts Gallery or at the playhouse box office, open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and noon-showtime on performance days.